Draper to step down from LTA

Roger Draper has announced he will step down as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Draper will vacate the role at the end of September having filled the position for seven years.

"It has been a huge honour to serve the sport that I love so much and to play my part in leading British tennis. I have been very lucky to work with fantastic people both at the LTA and across the wider tennis community, and I would like to thank them all for their passion, commitment and hard work," Draper said.

"As a result, the sport is entering a very exciting phase, and now is the right time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader who can build on what has been achieved in recent years, and take British tennis to new levels."

British tennis blossomed in 2012 with Andy Murray becoming the first male grand slam champion in 76 years, while there was also success at London 2012 for British athletes.

Former player Mark Petchey could be one of the contenders to replace Draper, and was quoted by BBC Sport in January as saying: "If the LTA board agreed with my vision for British tennis, it's a job I would want to do. This would be a massive 24/7 job, but seeing British tennis succeed has always been a passion of mine."